Sacrifice

“Kill the man.”


“That's the person who tricked you, Jade. Look him straight in the eye.”

"I have always loved only you."

I was out of breath when I woke up. I turned on the bedside lamp and looked at my phone. Soon it will be five in the morning. I had odd dreams. I am aware of how bad it is, but I can't recall it.

My body wouldn't cooperate when I tried to get back to sleep, so I just got up to get some coffee. I drifted off throughout the entire morning while sitting at my desk and thinking. I was more like trying to recall my dreams.

I only experienced frustration as a result of wasting time on pointless thoughts. Jade, it was all just a dream. Why do you need to keep that in mind?

I got ready for today's chores. Even though Beau has already made a complete donation, I will be going to the orphanage today. I simply want to go see them. Regarding Beau, he promised to accompany me today.

While I was deciding on my outfit for the day, my phone lit up. I quickly glanced at it and recognized Beau’s name. I went to it to check his message while grinning.

Beau:
Good morning. I had to take care of something this morning, it came unexpectedly. After lunch, I'll come see you. I’m sorry.

When I saw his message, my shoulders sagged. I reread it in the hopes that the strange feeling would go away, but it didn't. Why am I feeling so empty? Naturally, it's common for him to experience an emergency at work.

But he raised my expectations…

When my phone vibrated, I stood up straight. He is dialing. How many times did I chant to myself before I finally answered his call?

"Hey, did you read my message this morning?”

I squinted. I laughed to sound less negative, but it just turned into an awkward laugh, so I said, "Uh, yeah. It's fine. It's not that you need to come with me though."

He apologized, "I wanted to, okay? I volunteered, and I told you I was going to spend the whole day with you.”

I'm unable to help but feel bitter. He ought not to have said that. I am now feeling unwell.

I said, fiddling with whatever, "It's fine, alright. Your work needs you.” I didn't like how I sounded different.

All he did was sigh. He appeared to still want to speak, but nothing came out of his mouth.

I abruptly ended the conversation because I felt uneasy, saying, "I'll go now. I need to get dressed. I'll be late."

He took another deep breath. “Okay, I'll see you later.”

I ended the call by saying, "Hmm."

The entire time I was on my way to the orphanage, I was in a sour mood. I was able to let the kids' arrival cheer me up, which was a relief. I was ecstatic to witness their joy. They expressed their gratitude.

My mood then abruptly declined once more as I became aware that I shouldn't be the one being thanked. The evil angel is not present because he is engaged in other business.

Ugh! Let it go, Jade. Why do I find that so upsetting? I'm not even labeled for this behavior. And as though he had intended to, I mean naturally, I don't have any plans either. It's not like we have a commitment to one another. He's being duped by me, and I'm just being used for his sex life.

While I was at the orphanage, I was unable to keep track of time. The remainder of my time there seemed to go by so quickly. I therefore find myself checking my phone, even though it is already lunchtime, to see if he has any messages.

My lunch is already done. I'm still waiting for him even though the kids returned to their respective rooms to get some sleep. I merely stayed because I wanted the kids to thank and see him.

He had still not responded an hour later. I held out a bit longer.

“Do you want to take a nap in one of our rooms, Ms. Lewis?”

I was awakened by that member of staff because I was unaware that I had taken a nap on the couch.

I gave a head shake. “No, I'm good.”

She grinned and instructed me to come to her if I needed anything.

I made myself whole. I got up early today, so I'm tired. My heart rate went up when I once more checked my phone and saw Beau's name. He's probably on his way.

Beau:
I apologize for not being able to message you right away. The meetings dragged on for a while. I'll have my driver come get you. My apologies.

The strange feeling made my stomach hurt. This morning's feeling of hollowness transformed into an empty hole, and I have no idea how I got it.

I bid the staff goodbye and informed them that I would just give them a call if I intended to return. Actually, the reason I'm rushing is that I don't want Beau's men to see me.

---

”The truth is, Ms. Lewis, it will take years to endure this battle.”

I muttered, "Y-years?" under my breath.

The attorney gave me a nod. We met to discuss the other two attorneys who will represent Oli’s case in this matter. He didn’t know that I did this.

I took a big gulp and tried to ignore the never-ending ideas running through my head.

“Is it really that bad? Why didn't we just pay the money? W-why, I d-don't—”

With his eyes, Mr. Admir tried to reassure me, "Calm down, Ms.Lewis."

"I wish it were that simple, but your friend’s case has already been submitted to the court. Before we can defend this case, we need to go through a step-by-step process. We need to gather evidence, and we need to make strategies. Yes, Ms. Lewis, it's that serious."

It was even more difficult for me to think after hearing that from him. Years? We'll spend time and money on something my friend did to protect his sister? That’s absurd!

He made a tight lip seal. “We'll do our very best, Ms. Lewis.”

I keep hearing those words from them. It hurts and disappoints me to see that the hope is dwindling as time goes on.

"He's... er, he's,"

Oli interrupted us as we were both talking, "What?".

I went to their house so that we could discuss his plans. I tried to respond to his questions about Beau's business affairs, but I was unable to do so.

He asked, sounding worried, "Are you okay?"

I blinked my worries away as I became aware that I was far too preoccupied.

Instead of answering him, I said, "What possible digits could we get with this plan of yours, Oli?"

He raised his brows in response to my question and appeared perplexed. “About five digits, possibly six if we're fortunate enough to buy more time.”

I asked directly, "Can I take all of it?"

The paper in front of us caught his attention. “Of course. Since I know you don't keep that much money, could I at least find out why you need that much?”

I exhaled deeply. I fiddled with my fingers rather than responding to his inquiries. He felt it. He recognized with just one look.

He mocked. “Okay, we'll have to pay a few men. We'll add that to your cut, er, I mean, to your earnings.”

I did so carefully. “I just need the money, so pay for everything you need to pay for.”

"Now, you need to know the little details about the event. Not only are his whereabouts important, but so is his business. That man ain't a CEO for nothing. He's smart, and we're just petty con artists in town," said the man.

He was standing there holding a roll of paper. I received it from him. Without any words, I understood.

“This will be your assignment.”

When I opened the document, I noticed that Beau's name and an unrelated man's name were both written on the last page of the contract, which I believe he used for our play.

I sighed loudly and nodded.

He said, waving goodbye, "I'll go now. I still have a lot of things to do. You work on your own assignments."

I replied, "I'll message you."

Then he walked away. That made me feel more anxious. I've dragged people along with me all this way. Oli and I, although we don't discuss it openly, feel pressured and anxious about this.

We're all putting our lives in danger here because if this plan doesn't work, we wil both end up in jail. I questioned, "Is this worth it?" Would modifying one sin be better than committing another?

This goes against the values I have firmly upheld throughout my life. I'll do this, though, for my family even they’re not my own blood, even if it means endangering and putting my loved ones in danger.

---